In the final game of a two-game series between the Kokomo Jackrabbits and Rockford Rivets, the Jackrabbits conceded Wednesday’s game 15-10.

Wednesday featured one of the most explosive offensive performances of the season, with five total home runs and 29 combined hits between both teams.

The first home run came in the first inning, as Kokomo’s Lukas Farris sent a no-doubt grand slam over the left field wall to give the Jackrabbits an early 4-0 lead. Farris’ grand slam in the first was his only hit of the contest but was the first jolt of offense that became contagious for both sides.

Two at-bats later, Kokomo’s Jack Anderson added to the fun, hitting a two-run home run 390 feet past the left field wall. Early on, everything went right for the Jackrabbits, as Kokomo recorded five hits in the first to go up 7-0.

However, the same woes that have plagued Kokomo all year long came back to bite them once again, as Rockford outscored Kokomo 15-3 the rest of the way. Despite going up seven runs, it’s difficult to come out with a win after surrendering 18 hits to the opposing team.

“It’s not a good feeling; it’s tough on your confidence when this stuff happens over and over again, when you can’t feel safe with a 7-0 lead,” Jackrabbits Manager Johnston Hobbs said. “It is what it is. We had 11 hits and 10 runs. That’s a game we should win, but we just have to do better on the mound.”

The Jackrabbits’ head of steam dissipated quickly, as the Rivets scored a run in five straight innings following the first.

For Rockford, seven different starters recorded multi-hit performances in their 15-run effort. Cade Zalewski led the way, going 4-for-5 at the plate, knocking in six RBIs, with two doubles and a grand slam.

Zalewski’s grand slam came in the sixth inning, giving Rockford a 13-9 lead and ultimately putting the nail in the coffin.

Rockford’s two-game sweep over the Jackrabbits keeps them in first place, as they improved to 22-8 and now hold an 8-0 record over Kokomo this season.

The Jackrabbits are now 4-24 and will return to Kokomo Municipal Stadium on Saturday, June 29th, to take on the Kenosha Kingfish. Kokomo will embark on a five-game series against the Kingfish, with the first two games taking place in Kokomo.

Article written by Charlie Huiras